"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener." John 15:1

Jesus has just said, Let's get out of here... But according to the verse 1 in Chapter 18, it doesn't look like they actually leave the upper room for a few more minutes. In reality the 3 chapters that John writes between Christ saying let's go and when they actually do is not but a couple of minutes. Christ finishes his discussion with His followers, then says a prayer and they leave. I've taken that walk, it's about a half hour walk from the traditional site of the Upper Room and the olive grove on the Mount of Olives on the other side of the Kidron Valley. They could have been talking as they walked, maybe they were cleaning up after themselves in the Upper Room after the Passover Feast. There doesn't seem to be a lot of servants since Christ started off the feast by doing the servant work of washing their feet. It doesn't really matter, but I often have wondered if they were walking along on the way to the Kidron when Christ would see a local grape vine and use it as an object lesson. Either way, this is verse begins one of the most well known passages in the New Testament.

For me, this verse establishes a relationship... Or rather explains the relationship between Christ and his Father. He is the vine, the living organism that embodies the church and all who are in it. That entity is tended by the Father.

I'm a horrible horticulturalist. I've got a black thumb... But I do grow weeds really well. I need to do a lot of work in my yard. I've got a honey-do list a mile long, but it seems that I never am able to get to it. That's the problem with being an options person... I've got honey-do ADD. Everything seems to get my attention and have a higher priority than does my home work. There have been some reasons for that lately, personal health and family health issues have made it difficult to get much done around the house. This weekend I have to get some of that work done. I've been remiss.

I'm glad when it comes to the Christ, and the relationship with his Father they don't have my problem of neglecting the work. I was recently out in the Sonoma Valley of California. When touring the wine vineyards in that area, they were pristinely kept. Each vine was meticulously cared for by an expert in vine care. God, our Father, is that vineyard expert for his Son. Father's should be like that... They should love their sons (and daughters) so much that they are willing to tend them, train them, grow them, nurture them. I wasn't always successful as a Dad, I guess I should have listened better.

Father, this morning we see a small part of the picture of what it means to be a Father... The care and the love you give to your Son. Now, let me get more serious about doing what I am supposed to be doing with those in my charge. Let me tend them, train them, grow them, nurture them. I'll do what I can and count on you for the results.

- posted by Steve R. @ 6:04 AM

 
"Come now; let us leave. " John 14:31b

The Passover meal is finished; Christ has told the Disciples that he is living; He has promised that there would be one to take His place; Now it is time for the plan of the ages to be put in to action. For me... On this side of the cross... I can't wait to hear these words. I can't wait for the day when He returns, gathers the believers together and says, "Come now, let us leave".

Until then, I have a job to do. Not only am I to express my love to Christ by keeping His commands, I'm also to take along as many people as I can. That's not always so easy. I don't have a problem declaring that I'm a follower of Jesus. I have more of a problem in doing what I'm expected to do... Or rather... What I know I should do. But I have a real problem communicating the importance of giving oneself completely to the Christ. I'm not the only one. This is at the center of the Postmodern movement in many churches... But I'd sure like to find a way to do a mind meld with those who are not followers... Or more realistically, I would like to get through to those who have already declared themselves as a follower. I've committed this year to working with the Discipleship Vision Team at our church. The team will be working to find ways to promote spiritual growth among the body at Fort Caroline. I have concerns, I have hopes, I have a dream that we can really make a difference.

Father, I can't wait to hear you say, "Let's go!" But will I be ready? When the Disciples heard your son say this, they had no clue as to what laid ahead for them. I wonder if the words of that evening really made a difference? Or was it the events of the next 50 days that made a difference? In any case, you promised one who would bring all things to mind... You have said, "If I lack wisdom, then just ask for it"... So I am today. Now, I've got to get to work. Thank you for listening.

- posted by Steve R. @ 6:41 AM